Procurement & Contract Specialist II - Solicitations - R19554

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Be a vital part of high-impact county projects, ranging from new building design and construction to the procurement of major software systems. Our Solicitations team partners with varying departments on initiatives like road construction, park and playground development, and the renourishment of Sarasota’s world-renowned beaches - all helping to drive progress across the county.

Whether you're new to public procurement and skilled in data analysis and meeting facilitation or you're an experienced procurement professional ready to grow further, we'd love to speak with you! We offer training for those new to the field and support in obtaining (or maintaining) professional certifications. Apply today and take the next step in your career!

If selected for this role, you will be responsible for…

• Maintaining the acquisition of goods and services, including design and construction projects.
• Preparing, reviewing, and releasing solicitations (RFPs, ITNs, IFBs, RFQs), ensuring compliance with procurement policies, codes, and statutes.
• Conducting procurement planning with departments, developing timelines, and clarifying responsibilities.
• Facilitating public procurement meetings, site visits, bid openings, and evaluation committees.
• Evaluating bidder responsiveness and recommending contract awards.
• Drafting and managing contracts, amendments, extensions, terminations, and related documentation.
• Reviewing and approving procurement items for compliance (eBar/eCar).
• Supporting contract negotiations and assisting in resolving disputes.
• Delivering training and guidance to departments and vendors on procurement and contract management.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of procurement systems, processes, and procedures.

Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Typical Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. (no weekends!).

Remote work:
Our Procurement team currently has the option to work remotely up to two days per week. After six months and based on work needs, you may become eligible for this benefit.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Liberal Arts, English, Law, Education, Writing, Accounting, Finance, Public/Business Administration, or a related field with two (2) years of experience in public and/or private sector procurement, or a related field.
• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field with four (4) years of experience in public or private sector procurement, or a related field.
• Progressively responsible professional experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required degree.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Note:

These are bonuses, not requirements.

• Three (3) years of related experience with procurement, contracts, education, law, writing, project management, or a related field.
• CPPB or NIGP-CPP or the ability to obtain certifications within three (3) years of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to think and communicate strategically and analytically, both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in gathering, organizing, and analyzing data to draw sound conclusions.
• Capable of leading and facilitating meetings, with knowledge of public procurement practices at the local, state, and federal levels or a willingness to learn them.

Professional Development: Your continued education and professional growth are a top priority. You will receive paid opportunities for continuing education in public procurement and support in obtaining (or maintaining) professional procurement certifications. Certifications often supported include CPPB, CPPO, and NIGP-CPP.

Visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and  for more information on the Procurement profession and associated certifications.

Starting Pay: up to $62,628.00, based on experience.

Our interview process could include phone interviews, Microsoft Teams video interviews, and/or in-person interviews.

If you are selected to join our team, please click on the link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day: